The color orange can be seen in store windows, hanging from boats on the river, and on thousands of t-shirts in Knoxville. The color splash comes in perfect timing for what business owners say is the most exciting weekend of the year.

"It's definitely one of the biggest weekends in Knoxville with Boomsday and the first home game. You're not going to get much bigger crowds then we are going to get this weekend," said Lisa Barnett, owner of Nothing too Fancy.

The Knoxville Police Department said the city should be planning for 'larger than ever crowds' this Labor Day weekend.

That means local businesses are getting ready for the rush of hundreds of thousands of people for Boomsday and UT's first home game of the season. Local businesses said they are ready for the rush.

"There will be a lot of people that come into our store for the first time," Barnett said. "There will be a lot of people bringing people from out of town. We just try to make sure that everything is in stock and that we are well staffed."

It's something some businesses have been preparing months for.

"We spend time organizing for it, preparing for it, ordering food, ordering beverages. Just like Santa, make your list and check it twice," said Bart Fricks, Copper Cellar Restaurants.

Businesses, like Calhoun's on the River, will be offering tons of activities, including the Vol for Life event.

"You get fed barbecue, you get to meet your favorite former Vols, and then you have a great spot to watch the fireworks down right by Henley," Fricks said.

As the clock ticks down, the excitement builds across the city. Business owners said they are going into this weekend like they would any other.

"Make sure we have what we need in stock and make sure we have enough staff lined up," Barnett said.

And for those visiting the city for the first time, business owners said to enjoy the experience.

"Take in the whole scene, walk the strip, go down to Calhoun's on the River," Fricks said. "Then enjoy a great ballgame and hopefully the Vols win!"